HERBAL MEDICINE COURSE OUTLINE

My conceptualization of what I think is an almost ‘perfect’ Herbal Medicine course is one that incorporates a strong sense of the human connection to all the aspects of the natural environment.

Traditional Herbalists through the ages have always been custodians of the natural environment, with deep connection and knowledge of the inter-relationships that exist between humans, plants, animals and the natural world.

Maintenance of these inter-relationships through correct use of resources and correct action was part of the training of the herbalist (medicine man/woman) since time immemorial.

Today, training is focused more on an evidence-based scientific approach that emphasizes plant chemistry and standardization of herbal medicines. This view is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ with little to no recognition of the existence of chi/prana/spirit/soul or consciousness as important components of essential healing mechanisms within plants and humans. In my opinion, this is an unbalanced view that results in unbalanced outcomes.

In addition to using a holistic framework on which to base this herbal medicine course, I am also interested to know what you would like to learn; what you feel will be of benefit to you in your journey of healing with plants, and adding this to the course curriculum.

I look forward to connecting with you and working with you in the Herbal Medicine Course.

Warmest regards
Susan

The Herbal Medicine Course is made up of 9 units, and each unit is composed of one or more subject-based modules; a total of approximately 50 modules.

Each module is concluded by a self-assessment questionnaire that acts as revision of the work covered. Each Unit is assessed via a written and/or practical assessment topic.

Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most frequently asked questions of the course is whether there is a qualification awarded after successful completion: the answer to this question is Yes – the qualification is a Statement of Completion.

The next most frequently asked question is whether the course qualification is ‘recognised’ by a professional accrediting body: the answer to this question is – No, not at this stage.

The reason for this is perplexing, especially for Medical Herbalists such as myself, because since the late 1960’s/early 1970s, we have worked hard to bring Herbal medicine to a standard that can be called a ‘professional career path’ only to witness the rise of synthetic medicines, herbal medicines declared ‘ineffective’ and the historical use of medicinal plants discounted.

People are also interested in the length of the course: it is anticipated that the course will be 12-18 months in duration. As this is the Pilot course, the exact time frame has yet to be determined. However, lectures for each module are schedule on a weekly basis.

Questions regarding costs are addressed below.

Unit 1. Introduction to Herbal Medicine:
This is a historical perspective that looks at the simple use of plants as medicines in the past to the current use of medicinal plants today, in the context of ‘Modern’ Chemical Interventive Medicine;

Unit 2. Traditional Herbal Medicine:
These Units examine the ‘wholistic’ perspective of traditional healing from a variety of perspectives including:
• Module 1 Natura Philosophy (Air, Water, Food, Sunlight/Moonlight, Social & Spiritual);
• Module 2 Ayurveda – the Science of Life;
• Module 3 Gaia Principle – her body/our body and the Interdependence of All Life;
• Module 4 Microbes and Us – Immune System Evolution;
• Module 5 Natural Magick and the Energetic Theory of Health Maintenance;

Unit 3. Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology
This Unit is an overview of the structure and function of the human body in health. When considering the medicinal use of plants whether on a professional level or for personal use only, it is helpful to have a basic knowledge and understanding of the structural components of the human body and how these work separately and as an integrated whole. Each of the 12 major body systems and uniting concepts are briefly covered. There are 14 Modules in this Unit.

Unit 4. The Healing Power Of Plants
Module 1. Plants as Healers
• The concept of ‘lock-step co-evolution’ of plants and animals;
• The way plants work with the body to promote health & healing
Module 2. Chemistry of Medicinal & Food Plants:
This is an overview of the active and so-called ‘inert’ compound groups found in medicinal plants and how they affect the body. Compounds to be considered include but are not limited to alkaloids, glycosides, bitter principles, mucilage, fibre, essential oils.

Unit 5: Plants in the Environment
This Unit provides an Introduction to Ecosystem Dynamics, Microclimatology, Botany and Plant Identification and comprises:
Module 1 Ecosystem Dynamics: Element cycles and food webs of selected Ecosystems the interdependence, resilience and resistance to disturbance of each one;
Module 2 Microclimatology: the effects of human activities on microclimate, weather and vegetation;
Module 3 Plant Identification: How to identify specific plant families to genera and species & constructing Reference Herbaria.
Module 4: Growing Medicinal Plants

Unit 6: Plant Medicines
This Unit covers the processes involved in making Plant Medicine preparations that are safe and effective.
Module 1: Harvesting and preserving plant medicines;
Module 2: Making Tinctures, extracts, glycetracts, creams, lotions and potions, pills, tablets and more…

Unit 7: Materia Medica
Materia Medica is a comprehensive and in-depth study of 90-100 commonly used medicinal plants from around the world as well as Australian indigenous plant medicines.
These plant medicines are categorized according to their primary activity, e.g. astringent, alterative, immune-modulator etc.
The historical, traditional & ‘modern’ use of each medicinal plant is discussed together with chemical composition, cautions/precautions, preparations and dosages.

Unit 8: Food as Medicine
This Unit examines nutritional requirements of humans in different life stages and the nutritional properties of plants and how these properties can be best utilized to promote health and as medicine.

Module 1 The Basic Food Groups
Module 2 Vitamins
Module 3 Minerals
Module 4 Other Enzymes
Module 5 Energy (Prana of food)
Module 6 Other forms of ‘nourishment’ – The Ayurvedic view.

Unit 9: Australian Indigenous Foods and Medicines
The details of this unit are still in development and it is envisioned that we will seek to work with our local Aboriginal community elders and others.
We estimate 3-4 modules for this unit.

COST OF THE COURSE
$3,000 in total ($60 per module) not inclusive of costs of materials utilised in practical activities or text-books.

Payment options:
• Payment in full at commencement of the course attracts a 5% discount
• Pay As You Go per module by Debit Authority

CRITERIA FOR ENROLMENT & OTHER MATTERS
Students must be 18 years or over.
Commitment to the course is for 12-18 months with weekly fee payments to be made by debit authority.
Withdrawal from the course prior to its completion attracts a fee of $300 being 10% of the overall fee.
Fees are not refundable.
The Statement of Attainment is awarded only after successful completion of the whole course.
‘Successful Completion’ includes completion of all Units and submission of all assessment items.
RPL credits do not apply.